This post is inspired by Five Minute Friday: Kate Motaung provides a one-word prompt, and you write for five minutes flat–no extreme editing, no overthinking. Today’s word is WHISPER.
Whisper whisper … very soft, very high … like the soft, soft whisper of a butterfly.
I heard those lines gently whispered from two rows back in the chapel, from father to two-year-old son. Their familiarity caught my ear, and I smiled to myself. I had read them many times to my own boy, from the pages of a favorite Seussian book.
It was a fitting suggestion for the setting: the boy was, perhaps, getting restless, and a reminder to whisper was needed. Oh, how hard it is for those boys to whisper. Or, you know, to simply not make a racket. Volume control is hard for big, bright souls in little bodies. (Especially those that missed their morning nap.) It is a daunting responsibility to teach them the where, why, and how of whispering. Where–in church and other special places where people need to listen and hear. Why–to show reverence, respect. How–well, we’re still figuring that out.
I love that the words we whisper, line after line, cuddle after cuddle, bedtime after bedtime, into the ears of our little ones become so deeply printed in our own minds. My parents, they of five children, can still rehearse entire volumes of board books of yesteryear (e.g. Stella the Spaceship: “Speeding through space dust, diving through the air, Stella gets hot, but she doesn’t care.”) And Dave and I already frequently and oh-so-cleverly allude to our own favorites (Urban Babies Wear Black, Are You a Cow?) in everyday conversation. I hope the words I whisper into my boy’s ears, whether they’re lines from a page or simple I love you‘s drifting straight from my heart to his, will become printed in his mind as well.
spifftacular. 
Stopping by from FMF. I love all the different stories I whisper/repeat so many times with my boys. (And I could picture the scene you were describing between father and son – so sweet.)
Popped in from FMF. You had me with the Dr. Seuss thumbnail. I adore Dr. Seuss and his life advice. I love your thoughts about whispers. It seems they are a huge part of our lives…especially as children. Thanks for a trip down memory lane with Dr. Seuss.
Isn’t Dr. Seuss the best? 🙂
This was so warm and charming. Loved this allusion and the quiet mood of the entire piece.
What thoughtful, kind words–thank you!
I love hearing the whispers of parents to their children in sacrament meetings. I hear the gospel taught in so many ways. Sometimes the message is simply, “I know you are trying to be patient and long-suffering.” I’m so glad I stopped by, A FMF friend,
I appreciate that too–it’s neat to hear parents wonderfully teaching their children when they don’t know someone’s watching. Thanks for visiting!
Another great post Holly! Love you! Aunt Heidi
First I love Dr. Seuss since I am a teacher. Second, the whispers we share with those we love most are the ones we desire to stay with them forever. So glad you stopped by my place so I could then find yours. Happy weekend!